The fun continues at the Montana State Fair

Jerry Turner and Monte Beringer perform in the ZZ Top tribute band ZZ-3. The band will close the 2015 Montana State Fair with a performance at 9 p.m. Saturday in the Pacific Steel and Recycling Four Seasons Arena.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

The final two days of the 2015 Montana State Fair offer plenty of entertainment and a spectacular weather forecast, with highs about 90 and a lot of sunshine.

The fair opens at noon Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1.

Free Acts

Friday’s free acts include The Electric City Cabaret — Local Showcase, on the 3 Rivers Stage at noon.

Next up at 1 p.m. is the Jeni Dodd Duo. Juggler Matt Henry take the stage at 3:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Michael Swenson, the hypnotist, is on stage at 6:45 p.m. Crawford Bros. Band performs at 8 p.m.

The final nights of the Big Sky Rodeo Roundup are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Grandstands.

“We’re one of the largest PRCA rodeos in Montana,” said Kim Lander, marketing and sales director at Montana ExpoPark.

Pepsi Night packs Friday, July 31, with a diverse lineup of rodeo action. Starting at 11 a.m., the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup Committee teams up with Special Olympics Montana and Eagle Mount to present the Third Annual Exceptional Rodeo. Set up as a mock rodeo, the Exceptional Rodeo pairs participants with a cowboy or cowgirl from the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup to experience rodeo firsthand. This is the only event of its kind in the state of Montana.

Mountain View Co-op is Friday’s, July 31, coupon sponsor.

Pro rodeo and Mutton Bustin’ action wrap up with Saturday’s, Aug. 1, Spirit Night sponsored by North 40 Outfitters, and Montana ExpoPark puts up $57,400 of the rodeo’s purse awarded to the top cowboys and cowgirls.

ZZ-3, ZZ Top tribute band

ZZ-3, the ZZ Top tribute band, performs at 9 p.m. in the Pacific Steel and Recycling Four Seasons Arena. The performance is presented by Holly Productions.

The Sioux Falls, S.D.-based trio has been performing the songs of the classic rock legends for about five years.

Beards and fuzzy guitars are standard issue for the band that performs hits like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “La Grange.”

Guitarist Monte Beringer, who plays Billy Gibbons, had a hunch the tribute band would work.

“It appeals to a lot of different people, even if you’re a country guy,” he said. “We knew it would have a pretty mass appeal.”

But just how much appeal has surprised him.

“I thought it would do well, but I really had no idea it would do as well as it has,” he said.

Thus far, ZZ-3 has stayed busy on the festival and fair circuit during summers. They’re planning to tour through the southern United States this winter.

With ZZ Top’s trademark beards, costumes and sunglasses, getting into character isn’t hard, said Beringer.

“It’s kind of a strange thing. When you put the costume on and get ready to play, you just kind of take over that personality,” he said. “It’s hard to explain. When you walk out there, for that time you’re on stage, I am Billy Gibbons.”

Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup

WHEN: Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Montana Expo Park Grandstands

COST: Reserved seating is $21 for all ages. General Admission tickets are $13 for adults and $7 for youth ages 3-12. Children under three are free. Visit each night’s sponsor for $2 off coupons.

Tickets are available at the Grandstand gate or call 727-1481 or online go to http://tickets.goexpopark.com.